Tribal clashes kill 2 civilians in Libya

TRIPOLI, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two civilians were killed and another was injured in the armed clashes between tribes in the southern Libyan city of Sabha, the country's National Human Rights Commission confirmed Monday.

"The National Committee is concerned about the resumption of armed clashes and escalation of violence between gunmen of the tribes of Awlad Sulaiman and Tabu in the city of Sabha, which killed two civilians and wounded a third by random heavy shelling and shooting," Ahmed Abdul-Hakim Hamza, the commission's rapporteur, told Xinhua.

"We are concerned about the worsening humanitarian and living conditions due to the continuing and escalating acts of tribal violence in the city, as well as deterioration of medical conditions at Sabha Medical Center and the lack of emergency medical equipment and supplies in the center," Hamza said.

The rapporteur called on all parties of the conflict to immediately cease fire and violence and resort to reason and wisdom.

He also called on the tribal elders and leaders to "intervene urgently to cease fire and calm the conflict between the fighting parties, and to work on preserving national stability and security and social fabric in southern Libya."

The city of Sabha, located some 800 km southwest of the Libyan capital Tripoli, is witnessing unprecedented insecurity, with rising levels of crime and kidnappings by armed groups, as well as frequent tribal clashes. Enditem